The petrogenetic differences of the Middle-Late Jurassic W-, Sn-, Pb-Zn-Cu-bearing granites in the Nanling Range, South China

This paper is the result of minerial exploration engineering.

Objective The Nanling Range in southern China is characterized by extensive granitic magmatic activity and significant metal deposits during the Middle-Late Jurassic, with W, Sn and Pb-Zn-Cu as the most representative metallogenic categories. In this regard, a systematic comparison study on the three types of ore-bearing granites and a thorough analysis on the origin of mineralization differences would have great implications for regional prospecting.

Methods In this contribution, the whole rock major and trace element concentrations as well as geochronological, Sr-Nd-Hf isotopical and mineral chemical data of these ore-bearing granites have been collected and reviewed to summarize their petrogenetic differences.

Results In combination with our major progress in the long-term geological survey, we suggest that differences do exist among W-, Sn- and Pb-Zn-Cu-bearing granites in many aspects, including the spatial-temporal distribution of the metallic deposits and related granitic plutons, geological characteristics, mineral compositions, source nature, enclave origin, differentiation degree, formation temperatures and the oxygen fugacity as well.

Conclusions It is concluded that the chemical component of granitic rocks, source materials, magmatic differentiation degree and physical-chemical environment during magma evolution are closely associated with the mineralization types (W, Sn, Pb-Zn-Cu) and control the processes of ore formation. Based on the above, the integrated classification criteria for the W-, Sn- and Pb-Zn-Cu-bearing granites from the Nanling Range has been improved, which would be helpful for ore prospecting in the region.